Monday, April 18, 2011

Japan and the US vowed on Sunday their solidarity and determination in rebuilding the world's third largest economy a month after its devastation from the powerful earthquake and tsunami.

Both countries announced a new public-private partnership to help the reconstruction efforts during the visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Tokyo, Kyodo News said.

Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto promised to fully disclose the information to the public with regard the faulty Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant—which is now rated along with the Chernobyl accident as the world's worst nuclear accident—as the nation battles to contain the release of radioactive substances.

During her meeting with the foreign minister, Clinton told the media, "We pledge our steadfast support for you and your future recovery. We are very confident that Japan will demonstrate the resilience that we have seen during this crisis in the months ahead.

"There has been a great outpouring of concern, sympathy and admiration for the great resilience and spirit the Japanese people have shown throughout this very difficult experience.

"The constant efforts to respond to the situation at Fukishima have required intense analysis by Japanese, American and international experts, and we have been very supportive of what Japan is doing to take the appropriate steps."

A timeline for resolving the nuclear crisis within nine months has been drawn up by the embattled Tokyo Electric Power Company—the operator of the critical power plant—that led to the displacement of thousands of residents, the Denver Post said.

Tsunehisa Katsumata, TEPCO chief, said it plans to decrease the radiation leaks in the first three months. In the next three months, the power company hopes to control the release of radioactive materials, in a report by Al Jazeera.

Katsumata apologized to the public over the ongoing crisis, "We sincerely apologise for causing troubles.

"We are doing our utmost to prevent the crisis from further worsening."

About 20,000 American troops were deployed to Japan in what is called as the "Operation Tomodachi (Friend)," which is the largest humanitarian mission of the US in Japan as it deals with the ongoing crisis.

The efforts renewed the friendship between both countries and encouraged the Japanese, said Matsumoto.